THE history of one of Barrow's finest pieces of architecture is told in a new book called The House of Lords.

Alan Wilkinson started work on his book about the Barrow Working Men's Club and Institute the day after a major blaze in January 2017 wrecked the Abbey Road building.

With the help of staff at Barrow Archives he has been able to bring together a comprehensive record of the club's organisation and the contribution of its many important members and supporters.

Mr Wilkinson writes: "I have no reservation in making the claim that there has never been a better gathering of people in the 160-year history of the town."

Major contributions to the cost of the 1870 recreational building came from industrialists.

They included Henry Schneider, the Duke of Buccleuch and the Furness Railway Company.

It was officially opened by mayor James Ramsden on August 8 in 1870.

There would be a maximum of 800 members and alcohol could only be consumed in the refreshment room.

Distinctive ornamental pillars were added to the club entrance in August 1930 to mark the building's 60th anniversary.

Celebrations of the diamond jubilee included a supper and covering the building with coloured electric lights.

In the Summer of 1983 the building gained Grade 2 Listed Building status due to its historic and architectural importance.

The club closed in the first week of January 1997 after trading losses exceeded £300,000.

It was sold at auction to Roger McKimm, who operated the Criterion Cafe Bar in Cornwallis Street and the Dirty Duck, in Raglan Street.

Mr Wilkinson's book House of Lords Barrow in Furness costs £12 and is available from Heath's on Dalton Road, Barrow.